Świdnik 2023-07-22
Świdnik airport. PZL Swidnik. 2023.
Geographic coordinates: 51.231N 22.691E.
Since 2010, PZL-Świdnik has been part of Leonardo Helicopters. Everything indicates that the PZL-Świdnik plant has already had a difficult period behind it and from a manufacturer of helicopter components, it has again become a factory building final products. In 2016, the fuselages of the AW.109, AW.119, AW.139 and AW.101 helicopters were in production. By 2017, over 7,400 helicopters were built in Świdnik. Currently (2023) the condition of the plant in Świdnik is good.
In 2010, PZL-Świdnik delivered 7 PZL W-3 Głuszec helicopters to the Polish Army for the 56th Base in Inowrocław. And these were the last PZL W-3 Sokół helicopters delivered to the user.
AW-149.
Since 2014, PZL-Świdnik has been participating in the development of the new AW-149 helicopter, a helicopter that was to be adapted to the needs of the Polish Army. The Polish Army has concluded a contract for the acquisition of 32 AW-149 helicopters. The first helicopters will be delivered in the second half of 2023, and the last one in 2029.
The Italians decided that the entire production of AW-149 helicopters ordered for Poland will be carried out in Świdnik. Accordingly, there are two production lines; one in Italy and the other in Poland. For the production of the helicopter in Świdnik, the assembly hall was renovated. Production-related buildings were renovated to adapt them to production logistics. Employment has been increased. Specialists were sent to Italy for training. The factory gained access to new technologies. In Poland, most of the AW-149 helicopters will be made from scratch, up to the handover test flights.
The Italians estimate that the demand for the AW-149 platform is about 500 copies. The management of PZL-Świdnik estimates that the Polish Army may need up to 300 helicopters of the AW-149 platform to replace the former Soviet structures.
PZL W-3 Sokół.
The second program in which the PZL-Świdnik plant is involved is the maintenance and modernization program for the PZL W-3 Sokół helicopters. Here, the plant closely cooperates with the Polish Army. A contract has been signed for the modernization of 43 PZL W-3 helicopters belonging to the Polish Army. This program is related to the subprogram – New blades for the PZL W-3 helicopter. The modernization of the helicopters will consist in the installation of new avionics, a glass-cockpit cabin and new specialized equipment.
AW-101.
The PZL-Świdnik factory also participates in the AW-101 helicopter construction program. The Polish Army ordered 4 copies for the Navy. The first example will be delivered in 2024. The factory expects another contract for AW-101 helicopters.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman